When it comes to getting in the mindset of your customers, you must think like a customer. When was the last time you simply walked into a business or shopped online for something without doing any prior research or knowing what that business was? Your answer is probably never or a very long time ago. According to Think With Google, 53% of shoppers say they always research before they buy a product. You don’t just open your doors and expect customers to come in. They must have a need and then they will begin to do their research as to where to find it.
But what goes into their research? What do people look at when deciding on the best product or service for their needs?
We’re not only going to show you where and how people are doing their research but how you can improve your customer’s buying experience and increase your sales.
1. They will compare products or services.
Let’s say you’re looking for the ‘best Mexican restaurant near you’ for dinner tonight, where are you going to start your search? On Google, of course. When you search that in Google, what will appear? A list of different options. When customers are searching for something your business sells, they’re going to see you and a list of other competitors, and they’re going to compare which one best suits their needs by comparing everything from the quality of a product, and how far away they are from that business currently to how much the delivery will cost.
That is why it’s best to showcase your product or service in the best light possible. You need to give your customer a reason to choose your business above the rest.
2. They will check out your website for more details.
Once they’ve started comparing your business to other competitors, they’re going to look for details. What is it that your business provides that no other business does? Why is your product or service the best choice for them?
This is where your website content becomes very important. From item descriptions & images to blogs that showcase your knowledge about your industry, you need to prove to your audience that your business is trustworthy and the best deal for the quality of service or product they are looking to buy. In this case, it’s also a good idea to research your competitors to see where you stand compared to them.
3. They will look at your business’ credibility.
When was the last time you bought something online without at least looking at a couple of reviews? Well, when it comes to comparing business’, reviews can have a huge impact on a buyer’s decision. Roughly 89% of consumers around the world read reviews before deciding on a product. A customer review can make or break a buyer’s trust in your business.
That’s why it’s a good idea to keep track of where your business is listed and where people can leave reviews. Keep an eye on reviews, social media comments, and messages, and respond to customers accordingly. If a customer had a really good experience with your business, leave them a thank you message. If they didn’t have a good experience, reach out to that person, and see what changes you can make to hopefully improve their experience or even your business as a whole.
4. They will ask for recommendations.
Word-of-mouth is the oldest marketing tactic in the book, but it’s still as relevant today as it’s always been. Whether they’re asking a friend or family member or reaching out to a community group on Facebook, people trust the opinions of others.
When you provide a customer with extraordinary or memorable services, they’re more likely to refer your business to someone else they know. That’s why it’s always important to treat each customer equally and to the best of your abilities. It’s also not a bad idea to give your customers a motive for referring your business. Such as a discount or coupon either for someone they know or for their next purchase.
5. They might contact your business for additional information.
Once a person is in the final stages of deciding to choose your business, they may call and talk to your staff or they might come in-store to gather more information. Perhaps there’s something they needed an answer on but couldn’t find it online right away or maybe they had a question about pricing. Then from there, they may decide whether to purchase from your business or not depending on what they find.
Going back to the importance of website content, it’s good to have FAQs answered somewhere on your website. It’s also important to have your contact info and location on a prominent part of your website either on a separate page or on the header or footer so it’s easy to find. Are you ready to improve your customer’s online experience and increase your leads or sales? We can help at 3SIXTY Marketing Solutions! From auditing and updating your current website and SEO strategy to creating compelling and effective digital ads to drive new customers to that website, we can help you reach your marketing goals! When it comes to running a successful business, there’s more to it than just opening the doors and waiting for customers to come in. Let us help by showing you all the marketing opportunities that await your business by giving us a call at 705-252-4180.
